Herald - Issue 387

Page 66 • The HERALD • 2nd April 2020 v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v LJM Bookkeeping Services • Self Employed/Small Businesses • Bookkeeping to Trial Balance • Computerised Accountancy • Credit Control • Preparation of Final Accounts for Sole Traders • VAT Returns • Self Assessment Tax Returns • Payroll Holiday Cover can also be provided for Hourly rate charged Contact Lynda on 07774 790543 or Email: ljmbookkeepingservices@gmail.com ASK A PROFESSIONAL You will no doubt all have seen the current turbulence in the world’s stock markets caused in the main by the panic and uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic. e last few weeks have seen huge sell o ’s as the world comes to terms with the situation. is is a situation that has happened before. For example, in April 2003 a er the SARS outbreak the S&P 500 in the US was up 14.49% in the following 6 months and a further 20.76% a er 12 months. (Source – Dow Jones Market Data). It’s not a de nite that the recovery post Coronavirus will be the same, but details are here just to give some perspective. Most people who have money in pensions and investments are invested for the longer term. As part of well-structured and robust nancial plans. at is certainly the case for Oyster Financial Planning clients. Other than short term volatility and portfolio values falling temporarily there is no other risk to your long-term financial future. Unless of course money is taken out of the market at a low point which would just crystallise the temporary low value as a permanent loss and could take many years to recover and could have a serious impact on your future nancial prosperity. One opportunity that exists is that if you are in the position to invest and take advantage of these huge falls in value you could bene t from the bounce back in values when the panic subsides. If you feel worried at all and need to discuss your investments or want to discuss the opportunity, please don’t hesitate to come see us at Oyster Financial Planning, opposite Lloyds Bank in Hythe or call 023 8084 8410. With Panic and Uncertainty Comes Opportunity! by Michael Osman, Oyster Financial Services DEBT HELP New Forest Community Church in Marchwood runs a debt centre which is linked to Christians Against Poverty (CAP). is is to help those who nd themselves in debt and unable to see their way out. About one third of those CAP see are thinking of suicide. It is o en a big step for people to admit they have a problem. CAP will look at their nancial situation and nd the best way forward. . A local debt coach will visit them at home and explain the process and then CAP contact the creditors to negotiate the way forward to deal with the debts. is may be by re-payment or a route which involves some kind of insolvency. So if you, or a friend is in need of help, call 0800 328 0006. e advice is free, con dential and open to anybody regardless of race, gender or faith. ere is a Community Information Café at Testvale Surgery, Salisbury Road, Totton. is is held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1.30pm until 3.30pm. ere will be local information, bene ts advice and carers support as well as an opportunity to chat to friends and meet new people. Refreshments are available and everyone is welcome. For more information please telephone; 01794 519495 or call into your Local Information Point at 9, Love Lane, Romsey, SO51 8DE, Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 1pm. Your ‘LINC’ to local information, advice and support. Totton Rendezvous at Testvale Surgery